Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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12. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when the Finbarr Flood report on the film industry will be published. [17783/14]

Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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I am asking the Minister when the report by Finbarr Flood on the film industry will be published.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I appointed Mr. Flood in May last year as mediator on industrial relations within the Irish film production sector, with a remit to make contact with representative parties in the film and audiovisual industry with a view to identifying outstanding industrial relations issues and establishing a basis for agreement thereon. The appointment of Mr. Flood arose from a recommendation in the Creative Capital report to convene industry-wide industrial relations consultation in order to expedite fair, flexible, transparent and internationally competitive labour agreements across the audiovisual industry. Since his appointment, there have been several meetings between Mr. Flood, trades union representatives and representatives of the employers in the sector. I have also met Mr. Flood on a number of occasions and he has kept me apprised of developments and progress.

It is Mr. Flood's opinion, and it is one that I share, that there should be no report emanating from these discussions, as they are organic and ongoing. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that where there is a mediation process, it is normal that it remains confidential between the parties involved. Such confidentiality is necessary and indeed is usually a prerequisite to any hope of success in the difficult process of mediation. The public manifestation of Mr. Flood's work is the ongoing industrial peace in the sector.

Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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I thank the Minister for his answer. It is an industry that has yet to reach its full potential. The stated goal is to employ 10,000 people in the film industry by 2016, but in the most recent Creative Capital report, there are claims that 5,000 people were employed in the industry in 2007.

However, these figures have been disputed by employees in the industry. The Department of Finance's own report of December 2012 put the total number employed in the industry at 1,600. The industry receives generous tax incentives and we are on record as supporting them but there needs to be more transparency and accountability. Can the Minister account for the huge discrepancies in the figures?

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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It depends on how one defines the figures. If one accounts for the broader animation sector, the television sector and the film sector together, it is different from accounting for the latter alone. There is considerable employment in the television drama production sector. "Ripper Street" will be returning. Filming of "Penny Dreadful" has concluded in Ardmore. It was very successful. "Vikings" was filmed in Wicklow and another series is to be made here. It created considerable employment. The production of a number of films is ongoing. We have had some very good successes recently. "Calvary", for example, is having a major impact, and "The Stag" has been recognised. The premiere of "Frank" will be held shortly and it is receiving major recognition. The industry is very vibrant at present. In the Creative Capital report, the objective is to increase the number employed in the broader industry to 10,000 and the income derived from the industry to €1 billion. Apparently, we are making progress in this regard. The last figure I received was approximately 6,500.

Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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I understand there are great difficulties associated with employment contracts, employment and employees in the industry. Is the Minister prepared to convene a meeting of stakeholders, including trade unions, to conclude a new set of agreements that will uphold the rights and entitlements of employees in the film industry?

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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That is why I asked Mr. Flood to engage in broad discussion with all those with an interest in the film industry. He is recognised as a very good mediator and negotiator, and he is continuing with that process. The current feedback from the industry is that the labour relations position is good. I am quite positive but whether the position remains as it is comprises another issue. People in the industry are very occupied at the moment. There is a lot of work in the film industry and there are some exciting developments throughout the island. "Dracula Untold" helped and provided opportunities for many people from Dublin and elsewhere in the Republic. Whatever happens on the island of Ireland helps the whole film industry. I will be having another meeting with Mr. Flood shortly and I will bring to his attention the points raised by Deputy McLellan this morning. If there is a need for what she is suggesting, I will certainly consider it. I will consult Mr. Flood first.

Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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My understanding is that there are considerable difficulties with employment contracts.